Drunk Driving Consequences
Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) is a serious crime in the United States and a person who is convicted of the offense faces a number of severe criminal penalties as a result. Indeed, it’s not uncommon for convicted DUI offenders to lose their driving privileges and be ordered to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines and penalties. Along with these drunk driving consequences, in many states, the sentence for a DUI conviction may also include community service, probation, and/or jail time.
Although DUI laws vary from state to state, it is illegal for anyone in the U.S. to operate a vehicle while intoxicated. Under federal law, any driver who has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is legally impaired—even if his or her ability to drive is not affected at the time. As a result of this guideline, anyone who is caught driving with an illegal amount of alcohol in his or her system can be arrested and charged with DUI.
However, because the federal BAC limit applies only to drivers who are legally allowed to consume alcohol, most states impose even tougher alcohol limitations on drivers who are under the age of 21. Known as “Zero Tolerance Laws,” these restrictions require underage motorists to abide by a much lower BAC limit that, depending on the state, can be anywhere from 0.00% to 0.04%—making it a crime for these individuals to drive with even a small amount of alcohol in their system. These lower BAC limits also often apply to commercial vehicle drivers.
Regardless of the type of DUI charges you are facing, the consequences of drunk driving can affect your life far more than you may realize. Along with penalties such as a license suspension, community service, and jail time, a DUI conviction will have a long-lasting impact on your criminal record. Anytime someone pulls your criminal history, he or she will discover that you were found guilty of drinking and driving—a fact that can wreak havoc on your future and jeopardize numerous employment, housing, and educational opportunities.
You can also expect to pay far more for auto insurance if you are convicted of DUI. Many companies charge convicted drunk driving offenders two to three times more for their policies, and it’s also not uncommon for insurers to flat-out deny them coverage altogether.
Fortunately, it is possible to avoid all of the drunk driving consequences you may now be facing. There are a number of defenses that can be used to challenge your arrest and help you avoid a conviction—and an experienced DUI defense attorney can significantly improve your chances of achieving success in the courtroom.
To ensure you have the best chances of receiving a favorable outcome for your case, contact a reputable DUI defense firm in your area immediately after your arrest. Complete a free online case evaluation today.